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Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Decadent Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

These gooey chocolate cinnamon rolls are incredibly easy to make and perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion. The rich chocolate filling and sweet cream cheese frosting are irresistible!
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 1 cup Warm Milk (105-115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 4 tablespoons Melted Unsalted Butter cooled slightly
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 3 1/2-4 cups All-Purpose Flour
Filling Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter softened
  • 3/4 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
Frosting Ingredients
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 2-4 tablespoons Milk
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixer (optional)
  • Rolling pin

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Activate yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Combine wet ingredients: Add egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until combined.
  3. Add flour: Gradually add flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled.
  5. Make the filling: While dough rises, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon.
  6. Assemble rolls: Punch down dough, roll into a rectangle, spread filling evenly, roll up tightly, and slice into 12 rolls.
  7. Second rise & bake: Place rolls in a greased 9x13 inch pan, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
  8. Make frosting: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.

Notes

For extra richness, use dark brown sugar. You can also add chocolate chips to the filling for extra chocolatey goodness. Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.